Johnson distance runner travels to new heights

Updated 11:42 pm, Thursday, May 10, 2012

Photo: JOHN ALBRIGHT, San Antonio Express-News

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Johnson's Natalie Langan crosses the finish line in first place in the 5A girls 1600 meter run during the Region IV Track Meet on April 28, 2012 at Alamo Stadium in San Antonio Texas. John Albright / Special to the Express-News.

Johnson's Natalie Langan crosses the finish line in first place in the 5A girls 1600 meter run during the Region IV Track Meet on April 28, 2012 at Alamo Stadium in San Antonio Texas. John Albright / Special to

Johnson junior Natalie Langan began long-distance running two years ago because it was something to do in the mornings with her best friend.

She then grew to love cross country because of the sense of travel and the changes of scenery.

Track, on the other hand, bored her. Running in circles made her feel as if she wasn't going anywhere.

Until this year.

Langan's record-breaking performance in the 3,200-meter run at the Region IV-5A meet has taken her to a place she never thought she'd be: the Class 5A state track meet, which begins today at Myers Stadium in Austin. Langan will run the 3,200 at 8 a.m. Saturday.

“It's been really exciting. This is all just such a new experience for me,” said Langan, who also is entered in the 1,600 on Saturday night. “I didn't expect myself to make it this far.”

Or to do it in such impressive fashion. Langan shattered the 28-year-old Region IV record in the 3,200 with a time of 10:41.51 — eight seconds faster than the mark set by Churchill'sKathy Smith in 1984.

That time is even more impressive considering that this season is her first competing in the event. As a sophomore, Langan ran the 800 and didn't even qualify for regionals.

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“After regionals, I had a ton of people coming up to me saying congratulations,” Langan said. “That was a new one.”

Johnson coach Nancy Almaraz, who also heads the cross country team, knew Langan would be better suited for the longer distances this season.

“Last year, we had pretty good mile and two-mile kids, and we were looking to fill in slots in the 800, and she had experience,” Almaraz said. “But now we've found where she belongs.”

Langan's cross country experience helped. She won the regional cross country championship in the fall and placed 24th at state.

“I'll know a little more what to expect and just how hard the competition is at state,” Langan said.

State will be a challenge. Her record-breaking time earned her the third seed in the event. The Woodlands' Madi McLellan (10:35.14), A&M Consolidated's Karis Jochen (10:38.65) and The Woodlands College Park's Katie Jensen (10:41.79) will provide stiff competition. Jochen and McLellan placed first and third, respectively, at the state cross country meet.

“For Natalie, that's great,” Almaraz said. “She hasn't had anyone run with her all season.”